Former UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has sparked a major political storm by declaring that leaving the European Union was a "catastrophic mistake" that must be reversed. Speaking publicly for the first time since his dramatic resignation from the Cabinet, Streeting confirmed that he will run to replace Sir Keir Starmer in the next Labour leadership election.
The high-profile announcement signals a major ideological shift within the governing party as it struggles to contain a growing internal mutiny.This decisive move places Streeting at the forefront of a widening rebellion against the current Prime Minister.
Addressing activists at the annual conference organised by the Labour pressure group Progress on Saturday, the Ilford North MP laid out his fledgling platform for Downing Street. He argued that in 2026, the British public increasingly recognizes that in a dangerous world dominated by international instability, the nation must forge a closer coalition with its neighbors.
Streeting insisted that the country can no longer afford to remain silent about the severe economic costs associated with Brexit. Consequently, Wes Streeting pushes for UK to rejoin the EU, asserting that Britain`s long-term economic and security interests lie firmly within Europe.
However, his radical pro-European stance has immediately triggered a fierce backlash from various factions within the Labour Party. Suspended Labour MP Karl Turner condemned the proposal as "deeply divisive," warning that reopening the Brussels debate would alienate working-class voters in traditional strongholds where Brexit was heavily supported.
Furthermore, Blue Labour founder Lord Glasman criticized the policy, urging the party to respect national sovereignty rather than rehashing the political battles of the past. The leadership race is set to become even more complicated as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham campaigns in the Makerfield by-election to stage his own parliamentary comeback.
Streeting launched a scathing critique against Sir Keir Starmer`s administrative vision, claiming that the Prime Minister`s attempted political reset is equivalent to driving the party faster off a cliff. He disclosed that nearly 100 backbench Labour lawmakers are now actively demanding that Starmer set out a proper leadership timetable. Streeting argued that giving ministers the freedom to nominate a new leader is the only viable path to unite progressive forces and defeat the rising electoral threat posed by Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Reflecting on his time in government, the former minister admitted that Labour arrived in office heavily underprepared due to an overly cautious approach maintained during its years in opposition. This intellectual stagnation, he argued, directly resulted in early administrative catastrophes like the controversial winter fuel cut. However, Streeting concluded that by introducing a bold battle of ideas, the party can successfully rebuild the national economy and restore public confidence.
